Effect of Diazinon on pituitary-gonadal axis and histological alteration of seminiferous tubules in adult rat testis

Background and Objective: Diazinon is an organophosphate insecticide., which inhibits the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. This study was done to evaluate the effect of Diazinon on pituitary-gonadal axis and histological alteration of seminferous tubules in adult rat testis

Methods: In this experimental study, 40 adult male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into five groups including control, sham and experimental 1, 2 and 3. Animals in experimental group 1, 2 and 3 were received 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg/bw of diazinon for 28 days, orally, respectively. Animals in control group did not receive any substance. Animals in sham group were received an equivalent amount of normal saline. The animals were euthanized after 28 days and a blood sample was collected via heart puncture and testes were removed for histological studies

Results: Diazinon significantly reduced serum testosterone concentration, sertoli cell, leydig cell count, primary spermatocyte and spermatid [P<0.05]. Diazinon had no significant effect on the body and testis weight in the experimental groups compared to controls

Conclusion: Diazinon reduces the concentration of testosterone and cells in seminferous tubule in adult rat

[Body Mass Index and its relation to menopausal women's quality of life]

Introduction: In today's world obesity has increasing prevalence and its prevalence in menopausal women is more than men. Menopause is the sign of elderly and it's a biologic and inevitable milestone with noticeable effect on quality of life and knowing the effective factors on quality of life is very important issues in menopausal women's life

Objective: The present study aimed to determine the relationship between Body Mass Index [BMI] and Quality Of Life [QOL] of menopausal women in Neyshabur city

Methods: This descriptive co relational study was conducted on 375 women aging 40-65years from Neyshabur city in 2010 who were chosen by random multiple stage method and had no history of hysterectomy, oophorectomy or hormone replacement therapy. Data were gathered by demographic and the Menopausal Quality Of Life [MQOL] questionnaires in health centers and Mosques. Data were analyzed by Pearson correlation, Chi-square, t-test and linear regression statistical tests

Results: The mean age of the 375 participants was 55.4 +/- 5 year. The Pearson correlation coefficient revealed no significant relation between Body Mass Index [BMI] and menopausal quality of life [P=0.998]. Pearson correlation coefficient showed significant relationship between variables of age and exercise and menopausal women's Quality Of Life [QOL] [p=0.0029, p=0.002 respectively]. Also based on linear regression relation existed between age, marital status, smoking, exercise and residency and menopausal women's Quality Of Life [QOL]

Conclusion: Study results indicated no relation between Quality Of Life [QOL] and menopausal women's Quality Of Life [QOL] and. Quality of life improved in women who exercised

[Distribution of pupil diameter and their related factors in 40-64 years old population of Shahroud]

To determine the mean pupil diameter by the Pentacam in the 40-64 year-old population of Shahroud and its association with some related factors. Three hundred clusters were selected through multistage cluster sampling in the first phase of Shahroud Cohort study of whom 82.2% participated in the study. Refraction, slit lamp examination, and imaging by the Pentacam were performed for all participants. The pupil diameter obtained by the Pentacam was analyzed. Any history of previous ocular surgery and invalid Pentacam data were the criteria for excluding data from further analysis. After implementing the exclusion criteria, the data of 3820 individuals [59.3% female] were analyzed. The mean pupil diameter in this study was 2.74 +/- 0.56 mm [95%CI 2.72-2.76]. The 25%, 50%, 95% and 97.5% percentiles of the pupil diameter in the study population were 2.41, 2.67, 3.60 and 3.85 mm, respectively. In this study, the 95% of the normal range of pupil diameter was 1.63-3.85 mm. In the multiple model, the mean pupil diameter was smaller in men compared to women and decreased significantly with aging [P<0.001]. The mean pupil diameter was significantly larger in myopic versus hyperopic participants [P<0.001]. The pupil diameter was significantly smaller in participants with dark brown irises [P=0.005]. Anisocoria was observed in 9.43% [95%CI 8.43-10.44] of the participants. The pupil diameter in normal individuals by the Pentacam is found to be smaller than other techniques. A cut point of 3.85 mm for the pupil diameter is suggested as the critical criterion for refractive surgery. Moreover, it should be noted that men have a smaller pupil diameter, and that the pupil diameter decreases with aging

[Function and effectiveness of work teams in vice- chancellery for health in medical universities in Iran: from managers and experts' perspectives]

Introduction: Work teams provide good platforms for optimal use of organizational capacities and have always been considered as one of the important factors in promoting productivity and increasing satisfaction among employees. This study aimed at understanding the function and effectiveness of work teams in medical universities in Iran

Methods: In this descriptive- analytic study, conducted in 2012-2013, 13 vice-Chancellery for Health in Medical Universities were randomly selected. This survey was conducted on managers and experts. Data collection was done using a researcher made questionnaire, the validity and reliability of which was confirmed. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 18.0 through related statistical tests at a significant level of ? <0.05

Results: The average membership of managers and experts in internal, academic, provincial and ministerial teams was 1.2 +/- 0.9, 1.2 +/- 0.8, 1.0 +/- 0.5 and 0.2 +/- 0.04, respectively.78.4% of the membership was with official notification, and 76.2% with invitation to the meeting. 76.2% of working team members stated that the present work teams enjoy organized approaches. Deployment level, assessment, renovation and effectiveness of work teams, from managers and experts' perspectives, was 0.9 +/- 3.4, 0.8 +/- 3.2, 0.9 +/- 3.4, respectively. There was a significant difference [p=0.0140], [p=0.032] among deployment level, membership frequency of managers and experts in different work teams and types of medical universities

Conclusion: The Performance and effectiveness of team works was at average level; therefore, it is recommended to design and implement intervention programs leading to improved performance

[ effect of lavender essence via inhalation method on labor pain]

Studies have shown that half of the mothers complain severe or intolerable labor pain. Because of the side effects of pharmacological pain killers on mothers and neonates, those medications are used lower than non pharmacological methods in these days. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of lavender essence inhalation on labor pain. In this randomized clinical trial study, 120 pregnant women were selected by convenient sampling method and divided in two groups of 60. Conducted cool vapor of essential oil of lavender was used in case group and the control group used only cool water vapor. Written consent was obtained and pain was estimated once before and 3 times after intervention. Analytical statistics such as t-test and X2 were used. The results showed that difference in the labor pain before and after intervention in lavender group was 0.81 +/- 2.48 and in control group was 0.90 +/- 1.90 and the difference was significant [P=0.03]. This study showed that aromatherapy could be a suitable alternative complementary medicine for labor pain

[Antifertility effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of mentha pulegium leaves in adult male rats]

Extensive supply of herbal products in today's societies in normal diet or as medications necessitates conduction of toxicological, histological, and hormonal studies. Awareness of the effects of medicinal plants and their inclusion in the diet can contribute to reproductive health. Since Mentha pulegium is widely used in pharmaceutical and food industries due to its strong fragrance and beneficial therapeutic effects, this study examined the effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of Mentha pulegium leaves on the function of pituitary-testicular axis. In this experimental study, 40 male rats of Wistar strain weighing about 190 220 g were divided into five groups of eight. The control group received nothing, the sham group received distilled water and ethanol, and the experimental groups received 400, 800, and 1600 mg/kg b.w. hydro-alcoholic extract of Mentha pulegium leaves intraperitoneally. The experiment period was 28 days. In this study, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], and luteinizing hormone [LH] levels showed a significant decrease compared to the control group. Furthermore, the number of spermatozoa and Leydig cells had declined in the experimental groups receiving the high dose of the extract. Histological examinations also revealed extensive degenerative changes in the germinal epithelium and spermatogenesis arrest in the experimental groups receiving the high dose of the extract. Hydro-alcoholic extract of Mentha pulegium leaves in low dose had a significant decreasing effect on plasma total testosterone, FSH, and LH levels. The effects of this extract on histological changes of testis were dose-related

[Effect of recycling process on metal ion release from orthodontic brackets at different periods]

Considering the application of recycled metallic brackets in orthodontic treatments and probably more resultant metal ion release, which can cause cytotoxic side effects, this study was set up to assess the effect of recycling process of orthodontic brackets on metal ion release. In this experimental study, 80 Discovery direct bond brackets [Dentarum, Germany] were divided into 2 groups, new and recycled brackets [n = 40], then each group was divided into two subgroups [one-week and 6-months subgroups] [n=20]. The specimens were maintained in buffered solution of NaNHNo[3] [pH=7] at 37°C in an incubator. After periods of one week and 6 months immersion, 0.5 mL of each solution was analyzed by spectrophotometry for the quantity of released Nickel [Ni], Chromium [Cr], and Cobalt [Co] ions. The data were analyzed using two way ANOVA analysis. After one week, the quantity of Ni, Cr, and Co ions released from new brackets were 0.65, 1.4, and 0.75 [ppb], respectively. The values for recycled brackets were 142, 2.61, and, 1.43 [ppb]. These findings indicated significant difference between two groups [P<0.001]. After six months, the quantity of Ni, Cr, and Co ions released from new brackets were 1200, 3.4, and 2.4 [ppb] and from recycled brackets were 2330, 6.9, and 10.8 [ppb], which showed significant difference between two groups [P<0.001]. Application of recycled brackets in long fixed orthodontic treatments can lead to metal ion release, specifically Nickel. Thus, the use of recycled brackets in long orthodontic treatments is not recommended

effect of lamotrigine on morphine antinociception in formalin test in male rat

Background and Purpose: Lamotrigine is a novel potential antiepileptic drug, which is not structurally dependent on the current antiepileptic drugs; it has fewer side effects too. The present study intends to assess the effects of Lamotrigine on the antinociceptive activity, induced by morphine, by using the formalin test as a test of nociception

Methods and Materials: This experimental study was conducted on 56 adult male rats. The animals were divided into seven groups of eight rats, considered as one control, one sham and five experimental groups [one group receiving 2mg/Rat of morphine alone, three groups receiving 2mg/Rat morphine accompanied by Lamotrigine in doses of 25, 50 and 75 mg/Rat and the fifth group receiving only 75 mg/Rat of Lamotrigine alone]. The drugs were intraperitoneally injected 15 minutes before the formalin test. The sham group received the same volume of physiologic serum, and the control group received formalin alone. The study data were analyzed in SPSS using Tukey and Kruskal Wallis test; level of significance was considered to be 0.05

Results: Mean pain score following the injection of maximum dose of lamotrigine together with morphine was 0.08 +/- 0.001, which indicated more local analgesic effects at the acute phase in comparison with the injection of morphine alone [0.11 +/- 0.0005] [p<0.05]. Also, mean pain scores following the injection of different doses of lamotrigine [25, 50, 75 mg/rat] together with morphine were 0.08 +/- 0.007, 0.06 +/- 0.0004, and 0.06 +/- 0.002 respectively, which caused a significant reduction in the pain scored the chronic phase of formalin test in comparison with morphine alone [0.09 +/- 0.0005] [p<0.05]

Conclusion: Prescription of lamotrigine accompanied with morphine, in comparison with the prescription of each alone, has better effects on the process of pain score reduction

Comparison of the effects of ceftriaxone and cefazolin regimes in the treatment of adult acute pyelonephritis

Background and Purpose: There have been variations on the response rate of microorganisms causing pyelonephritis to antibiotics in different studies. The present study was conducted to compare the drug resistance against Ceftriaxone and Cefazolin in adult acute pyelonephritis

Methods and Materials: In this phase-3 single blind clinical trial, 86 patients suffering from pyelonephritis were selected through successive sampling, and were randomly assigned into one of the two groups after they signed an informed consent: Ceftriaxone 1g every 12 hours and IV Cefazolin 1g every 8 hours. Seventy two hours after the onset of treatment, patients were examined for their clinical and laboratory resistance. The obtained data were analyzed in SPSS using chi-square test, independent sample t-test, and Kappa coefficient

Results: Mean fever alleviation time were 2.63 +/- 0.95 and 2.77 +/- 0.81 days in the ceftriaxone and cefazolin groups respectively [p=0.2]. Urinary culture 72 hours after treatment was positive in 7% of patients in both groups. In the ceftriaxone group, 51.2% of the patients were sensitive clinically and in the laboratory results. In total, 9.3% were sensitive in laboratory and clinically resistant; and 39.5% were sensitive in laboratory despite being clinically resistant. With the cefazolin group, 51.2% were both clinically and laboratory sensitive; and 7% were clinically and laboratory resistant; also, 11.6% were sensitive in laboratory but clinically resistant; but 30.2% were clinically sensitive despite being resistant in the laboratory results

Conclusion: In the treatment of non-complicated upper urinary infections, the therapeutic effect of cefazolin is not different from that of ceftriaxone, which is broad spectrum and more expensive

[Different effects of testosterone on acute and chronic pain in gonadectomized male rats]

Nociception and behavioral responses to noxious stimuli are different in males and females. It seems that these differences are due to the effects of sex hormones on the pain mechanisms. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of testosterone administration on nociception by formalin test in gonadectomized rats. In this study 32 male wistar rats were divided into four groups [n=8]; the control rats without receiving any drug or surgical operation, the sham - operated animals with surgical stress, the gonadectomized rats receiving 0.5 ml vehicle [olive oil] i.p., and the gonadectomized rats receiving testosterone enantate [6 mg/100 gr body weight in 0.5 ml vehicle i.p.]. On the sixth day after gonadectomy operation, formalin test was done in all rats. Pain scores in formalin test were statistically analyzed by SPSS and ANOVA. The results showed that testosterone caused an increase in pain score in acute phase of formalin test in gonadectomized rats compared with sham-operated group [p<0.001]. However, pain score in chronic phase was significantly reduced in testosterone received rats [p<0.001]. It can be concluded that testosterone increases nociception in acute phase of formalin test in gonadectomized rats. On the other hand, testosterone relieved pain during chronic phase. Anti-nociceptive effects of testosterone in chronic phase may be through central nervous system by interacting with endogenous pain modulatory systems

[ effect of phoenix dactylifera [date- palm] pit powder on testosterone level and germ cells in adult male rats]

The pit of Phoenix dactylifera contains different chemical compounds such as saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, Zinc[Zn], Cadmium[Cd], Calcium[Ca], and potassium[K]. Saturated fatty acids include stearic and palmitic acid and unsaturated fatty acids contain linoleic and oleic acids which could inhibit 5-alpha- reductase enzyme. The present study was carried out with the aim of determining the effect of phoenix dactylifera pit powder on spermatogenesis and testosterone level in adult male rats. In this experimental research 45 wistar male rats were divided into 5 groups of 9 including the control group receiving no treatment, the saline group receiving an equal volume of normal saline as a solvent and the treatment groups receiving 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg body weight of Phoenix dactylifera pit powder orally for 21 days. The results were analysed through Excell, One-way analysis of variance and t-test. The results showed that 0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg body weight of the powder increased the testosterone level significantly compared to the control and saline groups [P<0.05], whereas no significant change was observed in serum FSH and LH levels. Likewise, the above- mentioned amounts reduced dihydrotestosterone level in treatment groups [P<0.05]. Histologic exam of the testis showed an increase in sperm density in seminiferous tubules of treatment groups [P<0.05]. According to the research results it can be stated that the powder of phoenix dactylifera pit has probably caused increased testosterone level and decreased dihydrotestosterone level via inhibiting 5-alpha- reductase enzyme induced by palmitic, stearic, linoleic, and oleic acids

Assessment of the effects of the hydro-alcoholic extract of mentha pulegium leaves on liver function test in male rat

Background and Purpose: Liver is one of the vital organs which has a key role in regulating most physiologic mechanisms, and any disorder in hepatic function can cause a series of physiologic and anatomical disorders and still other diseases. Since Mentha pulegium has been used extensively in traditional medicine, the aim of the present investigation is to study of the effects of the Hudro-Alcoholic Extract of the Mentha Pulegium Leaves on hepatic functions

Methods and Materials: In this experimential study, 50 Wistar male rats [about 220- 230 g] were used in five groups of tens including: control group receiving nothing, sham group receiving distilled water and 3 experimental groups receiving 400, 800, and 1600 [mg/kg] of the Hydro-Alcohol Extract of Mentha Pulegium Leaves respectively. The obtained data were analyzed by t-test using SPSS and Microsoft Excel

Results: According to the results, there is a significant reduction in the level of ALT, AST in experimental groups. In addition, the level of ALP showed a significant increase. Regarding albumin and total protein, there has been a decline in the experimental groups receiving the highest dose of the extract, and asignifilant reduction in the total body weight in proportion to the increased dosage of the extract

Conclusion: The Hydro-Alcoholic extract of mentha pulegium leaves probably has a significant effect on hepatic function. This effect may be due to the presence of Flavonoids [Hesperidin, diosmine], antioxidant, tannin and pulegone in the extract. This effect is reflected in the reduction of ALT, AST and the increase in ALP. Also, it can be attributed to the decrease in the hepatic serum level of the albumin and total protein

Effect of alcohol extract from leave Juglans regia on antinociceptive induced by Morphine in formalin test

For many years, the opioid drugs, especially morphine, have a high efficiency in the mitigation of acute and chronic pains, but because they result in tolerance and addiction following long or frequent use, their administration in mitigating chronic pains has been restricted. The present study intended to use alcohol extract of juglans regia leave accompanied by morphine to increase the analgesic effect of morphine and decrease its dosage. The experiment was carried out on 70 adult male rats, weighting approximately 200-220 g. The animals were divided into seven groups, considered as control, sham and experimental groups. The experimental groups were divided into five sub-groups. The first group received 2 mg/kg of morphine, 3 groups received 2 mg/kg of morphine accompanied by alcohol extract of leave juglans regia with different doses of 0.5, 1 and 1.5 mg/kg and the last group received only 1.5 mg/kg of the alcohol extract. The drugs were injected intraperiotoneal 15 minutes before the formalin test [minute 0-5 and 15-60 were designated respectively as the acute and chronic phase of pain]. Alcohol extract of walnut leave in dose of 1.5 mg/kg caused a significant nociception decrease in acute phase of formalin test and this effect was dose dependent. Moreover groups that received combination of morphine and alcohol extract showed more nociception especially in acute phase of formalin test, in comparison to the groups that received each separately and the control group [P 0.05]. The leave of juglans regia has antinociceptive effect and its administration accompanied by morphine causes an increase in antinociceptive effect of morphine in acute phase

[Effects of complementary therapies on pain and labor outcomes in nuliparous women referred to delivery unit in Fatemiyeh Hospital in Shahrood city [2003-2005]]

Labor pain is the most severe pain in the world and its control is the main goal of maternity care. Nowadays, complementary therapies are suggested in order to labor pain elimination and there is controversial idea about applying of these methods. This study assessed the effects of emotional support and non pharmacological pain relief in labor. In this experimental study, 300 nuliparous women [150 women in control and 150 in empirical group] with single pregnancy, cephalic presentation and spontaneous labor who referred to the Fatemiyeh hospital, Shahrood, Iran, were evaluated. 150 women of empirical group received non pharmacological pain relief methods, including massage therapy, breathing techniques, relaxation, effleurage and emotional supports. No one of them received pharmacological pain relief methods. Pain intensity in the first and second stage of labor was determined by verbal numeric analog scale. Data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U, Chi- square and Fisher exact tests. There was no difference in mean of age, level of education, residency [rural or urban], vaginal exam in admission time and interventions in labor between two groups. In control group, cesarean request [26.6% vs 16.2%, p < 0.05], ventous applying [4.5% vs 0%, p < 0.01], duration of the first [p < 0.001] and second stage of labor [p < 0.05 [and mean of pain score in the first [p < 0.01] and second stage] p < 0.001 [of labor was greater and mean apgar score in 1 min [p < 0.01] was less than experimental group. This study showed positive effects of complementary therapies on pain relief and labor outcomes. So, education of pregnant women, progress in willingness for vaginal delivery and presenting the complementary therapies are recommended in labor units

Intercessory prayer and ferritin and hemoglobin in major thalassemia: a pilot study

Intercessory prayer [IP] is one of the newly recognized holistic treatment methols and its effectiveness has been documented on the mangement of difterent diseases such as coronary heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and infertility. This study aims to d etemine its effectiveness on ferritin and blood indices of major thalassemic patients. This was an interventionaI study assessing seven patients attending an outpatient clinic receing IP in addition to their routine treatment. In all IP was performed 5.56 times for each patient as close-Iaying of hands and 6 times as remote IP. Before the study, the mean hemoglobin was 9.7 mg/dI, which increased to 10.8 afterwards [P = 0.028]. Mean serum ferritin was 2246.8 before the intervention which decreased to 1680.8 afterwards. Blood transfusion interval doubled in four patients. Dizziness and fatigue, which were reported by two patients before intervention, disappeared afterwards. Three patienis reporled an improvement in their school penfllrmance after the study. This pilot study showed that intercessory prayer was effectlve in increasing hemoglobin and transfusion interval, decreasing ferritin and improving school performance in patients with major thalassemia. A larger randomized trlal is suggested corfirm the results

[ comparison between results of topical nitroglycerin ointment and sphincterotomy in chronic idiopathic anal fissure]

Chronic anal fissure is a common problem, and there are different ways for treatment. The goal of this study was to compare the effectiveness and complications of topical nitroglycerin with internal sphicterotomy in the treatment of chronic anal fissure. This randomized clinical trial study was performed from 2002 to 2005 at Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad, Iran on 200 patients with symptomatic anal fissure, who randomly categorized into two groups of case [n=100] and control [n=100]. The case group [A] treated with nitroglycerin ointment%0.2 twice a day for 6 weeks and the control group [B] recieved sphincterotomy. Individual, surgical and medical results data were recorded in the questionnaire. Data analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequency distribution tables, and Fisher test. after 6 weeks of treatment, results showed that healing was not significantly different between the two groups, but after 6 months, difference was significant [p=0/11]. Surgical group healed 100%. Headache in medical group was more noticable than the other group [p<0/001]. But hypotension attack, palpitation, dizziness, and vomiting were not considerably different between the two groups. Internal sphincterotomy is superior to topical nitroglycerin in treatment of chronic anal fissure, with a high rate of healing, few side effects, and low risk of early incontinence

rare anatomical innervation of the musculocutaneous nerve

Anatomically the musculocutaneous nerve C[5,6] is a branch of lateral cord of the brachial plexus and its motor nerve fibers innervates the muscles of anterior compartment of the arm. This nerve penetrates into the coracobrachialis of arm muscle and lies between biceps and brachialis muscles. At the lateral bicipital groove becomes superficial and the finally converts to lateral cutaneous nerve of the foream. Here we report a rare case of musculocutaneous nerve variation. We found a rare anatomical form of musculocutaneous nerve during upper left limb dissection of a male cropse who was in dissecting room of Rafsanjan Medical School. His body was tall with muscular limbs, weighed 65-75Kg, 175 cm height, and fifty years old. The following variations were observed after dissecting of the axillary and arm regions. 1] The Musculocutaneous nerve arised from the lateral root of the median nerve. 2] The coracobrachialis muscle was innervated by a branch of the lateral cord of the brachial plexus. 3] The Musculocutaneous nerve did not penetrate into the coracobrachialis muscle but rather passed between the brachialis and biceps muscles. At the level of lateral bicipital groove, it then became a superficial nerve as the lateral cutaneous nerve of forearm. Hense, it was very close to the brachial artery and median nerve in the upper one-third of arm. This study describes a rare innervation of the musculocutanous nerve and requires further study to understand the nature of this unique structure. This atypical innervation is extremely important for surgical procedures performed on the arm muscles and adjecent vessels

[Effects of tamsolusin on serum testosterone and gonadotropins concentration in adult male rats]

Tamsulosin hydrochloride [HCl] is an alpha-1 adrenoceptor antagonist and its ability to inhibit alpha-1 adrenoceptor is more than alpha-2 adrenoceptor. Due to the important therapeutic role of Tamsulosin HCl in benign prostatic hyperplasia [BPH], its side effects on the endocrine axes are also very important. The aim of the present research was to determine the effect of Tamsulosin HCl on serum level of testosterone and gonadotropins, and also on the spermatogengsis in adult male rats. In this experimental study, 40 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups of 8. The experimental groups received 100, 300, and 600 mg/kg/day of Tamsulosin for 28 days. The sham group were treated with distilled water and the control group received nothing. The blood samples were taken on day 28 and the blood concentration of LH, FSH and testosterone were measured by RIA. Simulataneously, the testes of all rats were removed to assess the possible histological changes. The results were analysed using ANOVA and Duncan tests. The level of significance was considered at p

effect of zinc on thyroid hormones and liver enzyme concentration in adult male rats

Zinc as a heavy metal is known to be an environment pollutant. Research shows that high amount of this metal might pose health hazards by affecting the normal function of endocrine glands and metabolic activities. Thus, this study was conducted with the aim of determining the effect of various amounts of zinc on thyroid gland and liver enzymes in adult male rats in Kazeroon in 2005. In this experimental study 40 adult male wistar rats were classified in to experimental, control and sham groups. Experimental groups received zinc in from of oral zinc sulfate 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg for 15 days in three subgroups. Sham group received 1 ml distilled water while control group received no substance. At the end of 15th day blood sample was taken from ventricular part of the heart and concentrations of T3, T4 and TSH hormones and AST, ALT and ALP enzymes were measured through ELISA and trade kits and the data were analysed using Tukey test. The results showed no significant difference in T3 hormone concentration and ALP enzyme between experimental groups and control group, while T4 hormone concentration in the first experimental group [20mg/kg zinc sulfate] increased significantly compared with control group [P<0.05]. The concentration of TSH hormone showed a significant decrease between experimental and control groups [P<0.05]. Serum concentration of AST and ALT in the first experimental group increased significantly compared to control group while it showed a significant decrease in the second and third experimental groups [40 and 80 mg/kg zinc sulfate] [P<0.05]. The study results indicate that zinc affects thyroid gland and blocks the activity of 5'- diodinase through binding to sulfhydryl groups and decreases the conversion of T4 to T3. Zinc also decreases TSH amount and can damage plasma membrane and increase the amount of AST and ALT enzyme

[The effect of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid on skin wound healing in chronic diabetic rat]

The potential role of omega - 3 [omega-3] and omega - 6[omega-6] fatty acids on wound healing is of interest and controversial. In the present study, the effect of dietary intake of fish oil [omega-3 diet] and corn oil [omega-6 diet] on skin wound healing has been investigated in rat. This experimental study was performed on four groups of male rats [one normal group and three diabetic groups]. Diabetes was induced by subcutaneous injection of 50 mg/kg streptozotocin. In diabetic groups, one group was control and received STZ alone, and the other two diabetic groups were respectively fed with oral Fish oil [Fo group] and corn oil [co group] from 4 weeks after the induction of diabetes till complete wound healing. All animals were wounded by a 4 cm vertical incision in the midline of dorsum 8 weeks after diabetes induction. Wound surface area, percentage of wound healing, vessels density, and epidermal growth were measured at various post-operated periods. The results showed that, surface area of wound in co group was less than that of FOtreated rats and control group at the 7[th] post - operative day. Moreover the percentage of wound healing in co group was 97% at the 20[th] day, while this parameter in FO group and control group were 66% and 71.3% respectively. Although vessels density and epidermal growth in control group were significantly less than those of normal group, no significant difference was found between both FO and CO groups with control group in this regard. Moreover, FO diet and CO diet had an inhibitory effect on increased plasma glucose in diabetic rats by 46.8% and 40.7% respectively. Diabetic rats demonstrated increased plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDLC levels, but this change was significantly decreased by both diets at the end of 7[th] week. FO and CO diets also caused an increase in plasma HDL level comparing to the control group. We concluded that, corn oil [omega-6 diet] supplementation can result in an acceleration of skin wound healing in chronic diabetic rats, but fish oil have no effect. These actions of corn oil may be mediated through changes in inflammatory or fibroplasias stages of wound response